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AZ Alkmaar boss Gertjan Verbeek delighted at first trophy of career

AZ Alkmaar boss Gertjan Verbeek could not hide his delight after winning the first trophy of his managerial career.

Last Updated: 10/05/13 11:31am

Gertjan Verbeek: Delighted with cup success

AZ claimed their first KNVB Beker title in 31 years thanks to two goals in two minutes securing a 2-1 triumph over defending champions PSV Eindhoven.

Adam Maher opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort in the 12th minute and Jozy Altidore doubled AZ's advantage moments later.

PSV pulled one back through Jurgen Locadia just after the half-hour mark, but they were unable to find another breakthrough and AZ lifted the cup for the first time since 1982.

It was also their first silverware since winning the 2009 Eredivisie title and Verbeek, who revealed his players had thrown him into the dressing room bath following the win, was thrilled for the club's fans.

"Congratulations on the KNVB Beker win to all our fans," he said at the post-match press conference.

"As PSV (will finish) second in the table, AZ would have qualified for Europe next season regardless of today's result, but we've now won a prize.

"And yes, it's my first trophy as a manager."

He added: "When PSV pulled a goal back, I was afraid they would outplay us, as we defended too deeply.

"But persistence paid off for us.

"We deserved to win the cup for the first time in 31 years."

For PSV coach Dick Advocaat, it was another runners-up prize after missing out on the Eredivisie crown to Ajax.

"We will finish the season in second place, having scored 102 Eredivisie goals in the process, but this defeat sums up our disappointing season," he said.

"We conceded two early goals and it was not the first time this season it happened.

"We've given our all and could have scored an equaliser. We tried everything at the end, but it wasn't to be."